Loch na' Sgarbh

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Ross-shire

Scotland

Loch na' Sgarbh

Spring foliage of Silver Birch, by the River Meig Birch trees line the banks of the River Meig on the Scatwell Estate.
Spring foliage of Silver Birch, by the River Meig Credit: Julian Paren

Loch na' Sgarbh is a picturesque freshwater loch located in the county of Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. It is situated within the rugged and scenic landscape of Wester Ross, near the village of Gairloch. The loch stretches over an area of approximately 500 acres and has a maximum depth of around 30 meters.

Surrounded by rolling hills and heather-covered moorland, Loch na' Sgarbh offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere to visitors. The loch is easily accessible by road, with a small car park nearby, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The loch is renowned for its diverse wildlife and is a haven for birdwatchers. It is home to a variety of bird species, including the red-throated diver, whooper swans, and golden eagles. The surrounding wetlands and marshes provide an ideal habitat for these birds, as well as other waterfowl and wading birds.

Fishing is also a popular activity on Loch na' Sgarbh, with anglers attracted by the abundance of brown trout and the occasional salmon. The loch's crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a day of fishing.

For those looking to explore the area further, there are several walking trails and viewpoints around Loch na' Sgarbh, offering stunning vistas of the loch and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking by the water's edge or simply taking in the serenity of the loch.

Overall, Loch na' Sgarbh is a hidden gem within the Scottish Highlands, offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature in a truly breathtaking setting.

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Loch na' Sgarbh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.571861/-4.7349496 or Grid Reference NH3656. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spring foliage of Silver Birch, by the River Meig Birch trees line the banks of the River Meig on the Scatwell Estate.
Spring foliage of Silver Birch, by the River Meig
Birch trees line the banks of the River Meig on the Scatwell Estate.
Cleared area of forest above Loch Meig It was hard work climbing up through the debris left after a clear-fell of this area of forest.  Minor steep and unobtrusive paths suggested where those replanting may have walked in the restocking of the hillside.
Cleared area of forest above Loch Meig
It was hard work climbing up through the debris left after a clear-fell of this area of forest. Minor steep and unobtrusive paths suggested where those replanting may have walked in the restocking of the hillside.
In the area of cleared forest above Loch Meig A large area of the hillside has been clear felled and now restocked with new saplings that are only apparent when you actually look for them! Loch Meig lies below.
In the area of cleared forest above Loch Meig
A large area of the hillside has been clear felled and now restocked with new saplings that are only apparent when you actually look for them! Loch Meig lies below.
Loch Meig from the hillside to its north The terrain through which I walked was taxing on both myself and my dog on a short lead. Most of the way there was no obvious easy route.
Loch Meig from the hillside to its north
The terrain through which I walked was taxing on both myself and my dog on a short lead. Most of the way there was no obvious easy route.
Hillside above Loch Meig Looking straight down the slope from near the top of the forestry plantation area.
Hillside above Loch Meig
Looking straight down the slope from near the top of the forestry plantation area.
Remnants of a clear fell forestry operation above Loch Meig A difficult traverse of the hillside with trip hazards aplenty. Loch Meig below.
Remnants of a clear fell forestry operation above Loch Meig
A difficult traverse of the hillside with trip hazards aplenty. Loch Meig below.
Steep cleared area of forested hillside above Loch Meig A place to sit down with a Geograph first under one's belt with one more to go in this hazardous terrain.
Steep cleared area of forested hillside above Loch Meig
A place to sit down with a Geograph first under one's belt with one more to go in this hazardous terrain.
Close to the perimeter of the forest above Loch Meig The deer fence can be seen where the forestry ends and provides a barrier for man and dog.  Deer fences here have attitude! This Grid Square was no longer unvisited. I was encouraged to see one Scots Pine with some stature had been left for another days rampage by the foresters.
Close to the perimeter of the forest above Loch Meig
The deer fence can be seen where the forestry ends and provides a barrier for man and dog. Deer fences here have attitude! This Grid Square was no longer unvisited. I was encouraged to see one Scots Pine with some stature had been left for another days rampage by the foresters.
Devastated cleared forest above Loch Meig At last I could see a route used by foresters to descend this steep trip-hazarded hillside
Devastated cleared forest above Loch Meig
At last I could see a route used by foresters to descend this steep trip-hazarded hillside
Foresters' path upward in the cleared area of forest I resisted the temptation to follow the path as I am sure it would have ended at a deer fence with no exit to the hill country beyond.
Foresters' path upward in the cleared area of forest
I resisted the temptation to follow the path as I am sure it would have ended at a deer fence with no exit to the hill country beyond.
Contouring path in the forest A track broad enough for a small All-Terrain Vehicle meanders through the cleared area of forest.
Contouring path in the forest
A track broad enough for a small All-Terrain Vehicle meanders through the cleared area of forest.
Hillside cleared of plantation conifers above Loch Meig I am not sure what would have been the more hazardous.  Felling the trees using heavy unwieldy extraction vehicles, or restocking the woodland with saplings and having to traverse innumerable piles of brash and unwanted timber.
Hillside cleared of plantation conifers above Loch Meig
I am not sure what would have been the more hazardous. Felling the trees using heavy unwieldy extraction vehicles, or restocking the woodland with saplings and having to traverse innumerable piles of brash and unwanted timber.
Rural back road
Rural back road
A dam you can drive across!
A dam you can drive across!
Road near Little Scatwell
Road near Little Scatwell
River Meig
River Meig
Upper Gleann Marcasaidh The objective of a 15 km walk.  A Geograph Green Square. My son and I waited for the sun to emerge, but to no avail.  It did shine later on the way back to Loch Luichart. This is part of the Scatwell Estate.
Upper Gleann Marcasaidh
The objective of a 15 km walk. A Geograph Green Square. My son and I waited for the sun to emerge, but to no avail. It did shine later on the way back to Loch Luichart. This is part of the Scatwell Estate.
A second lunch stop in Gleann Marcasaidh This green square was the objective of today's walk with my son.  The valley is used as a refuge for deer who are constrained by numerous deer fences.
A second lunch stop in Gleann Marcasaidh
This green square was the objective of today's walk with my son. The valley is used as a refuge for deer who are constrained by numerous deer fences.
Show me another place!

Loch na' Sgarbh is located at Grid Ref: NH3656 (Lat: 57.571861, Lng: -4.7349496)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///voters.hardens.greed. Near Strathpeffer, Highland

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